1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D (Adenauer)
A 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D, one of an estimated 181 open examples built that year from a total production run of 591 convertible sedans across the 300 series' first generation. Known as the 'Adenauer' after West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, who favoured the type, the 300 series was patronised by royalty and heads of state worldwide. This example spent time in Canada before being exported to Germany in 1991, where a comprehensive, cost-no-object restoration was carried out by specialist coachbuilder Böhringer-Wiltberger at an expenditure of approximately 250,000 DM.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold €110,000 (≈ $121K)
- → 1989Al Websterpartial documentation
Based in Canada; sold the vehicle to the consignor in 1989.
- 1989 →Private saleConsignorpartial documentation
Purchased in Canada and subsequently had the car fully dismantled and shipped to Germany in 1991 for a comprehensive restoration by Böhringer-Wiltberger in Kernen-Stetten, at a cost of roughly 250,000 DM.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1991RestorationBöhringer-Wiltberger GmbH
The car was fully disassembled prior to export to Germany, then underwent a thorough, cost-no-object restoration at approximately 250,000 DM. The interior trim and hood were entirely renewed, and any components deemed unrestorable were replaced outright.
Work carried out at the workshop's premises in Kernen-Stetten, Germany.
- 2014Mechanical
The engine cylinder head was inspected and serviced.
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